Speaking in Tongues
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit (I Cor. 14:2).
Among the more contentious issues of our faith is the dispute over the nature, purpose, and validity of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues, praying in the Spirit, or the use of a “prayer language” is a common practice in many Pentecostal and charismatic churches. It is recognized in these communions as a valued experience which has been sought by many followers of Christ. This was especially so at the dawn of the modern Pentecostal (early 1900s on) and charismatic (1960s on) movements. Seeking this gift -- viewed as a gateway experience to other charismatic spiritual gifts -- is less common now than at the outset of these movements.
Biblically, glossolalia (from the Greek glossa/tongue or speech) is a distinctly New Testament concern, though Paul implies a prophetic reference to it in Isaiah (28:11) as quoted in I Corinthians, In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers (I Cor. 14:21-22).
Utterance in an unlearned tongue makes a dramatic entry into the biblical account in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. It was mentioned earlier by Christ in Mark 16 (textus receptus). On the day of Pentecost the phenomenon is demonstrated as a powerful manifestation of the outpouring and presence of the Holy Spirit upon the church. In this case, speaking in tongues is manifest as proclamation in language intelligible to its foreign hearers.
And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? (Acts 2:6-8).
Many insist that the only legitimate purpose for speaking in tongues is to miraculously proclaim the gospel to people of another culture in an intelligible language which the gifted speaker has not known or previously learned. It is also asserted that this is a gift which is seldom or no longer needed and its use has ceased. But it appears that this is one use of the gift. Actually, in Paul’s correspondence its most common use is as a prayer language. This is the meaning of the quote in the opening line above.
For this reason (that speaking in tongues is unintelligible speech) Paul insists that the practice, though valuable, should be regulated in public services because no one understands what is being said.
In the same section which guides the regulation of speaking in tongues, Paul indicates the value of the gift – to speak mysteries in one’s spirit, and to build oneself up (vv. 2,4). So, its most common use is as a “prayer language” for personal edification. However, tongues is of wider and public value if accompanied by interpretation (v.5).
Some complain that speaking in tongues is an emotional, distracting practice. The implication of such sentiment is that emotional expression is somehow an inferior communication. Why? Emotional communication could be inferior because it is irrational or communicates no discernible meaning. This is a legitimate concern. Paul implies the same, that unguided glossolalia may be interpreted as madness by the uninitiated. If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? (v. 23).
These are clear drawbacks, but the question remains: Is emotional expression, by definition, destructive or even unintelligible? I would say emphatically, no. In fact, the concept is absurd on its face. What is laughter? What are crying and tears? What is humming, whistling, or yodeling? What is song for that matter? What is a stern, sad, joyful, fearful, or surprised expression on one’s face but expressions of deep unintelligible, interior, and possibly unspeakable thoughts. Inspiring such expression in us is a role of the Spirit.
Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom. 8: 26-27).
Unintelligible yet heartfelt speech is a work of the Spirit the practice of which should be welcomed by the community of the faithful. Its work should be recognized as a language of the spirit and of the heart which God bestows, understands and receives.
"Listen
To Our Hearts" - Geoff Moore - Bing video
